Interrelated forces which have shaped the distribution of population in metropolitan areas, and the social geography of the suburbs in particular, are described in this work. Contemporary patterns and problems concerning the organization of social space in the outer city are reviewed. Suburbia's residential spatial structure is examined in terms of social and racial segregation. Individual paths whereby retailing and employment have dispersed through the outer city since 1960 are traced. The formation of "minicities" is described and their impact on suburban spatial organization is assessed. Consequences of these structural changes for metropolitan economic geogrpahy are discussed. An extensive bibliography on contemporary suburbia is also included in this document. (Author/MC)